How we chose the cover: Spring 2014 Canadian Geographic Travel

One thing was clear: with a story on the local food movement in Prince Edward Island featuring its resident celebrity chef Michael Smith, the cover of the Spring 2014 issue of Canadian Geographic Travel had to include the cook. After all, celebrity sells.

The only real question left was which image of Smith would make readers most eager to dig in? (As regular Canadian Geographic Travel followers know, in advance of each issue’s publication we solicit your feedback to help us choose our cover image.)

My personal fave was option one (left). I figured the inviting plateful of P.E.I.’s best fare, presented by an up-close Smith, would be a sure-fire hit. Shows what I know.

Readers overwhelmingly voted option two their favourite (with 67 per cent of the tally; option one was second with 31 per cent; and option three was clearly a dud, with just three per cent of votes). The comments from readers were clear: the image of Smith in the red-soiled potato field with the sea in the background captured the essence of the island’s food.

Given the decisive victory, and with next to no logical reason to overrule it, it made our decision simple. Option two it is. Here’s hoping it delivers extra helpings of sales!

If you don’t already receive our cover vote email but want to, simply sign up for the Canadian Geographic newsletter. And be sure to pick up a copy of the Spring 2014 issue of Canadian Geographic Travel if you’re not already a subscriber. It hits newsstands on March 31.